Malaysia’s Speedy Tigresses Get the Toughest Possible Start in Bhopal
No easing in. No gentle opener. Malaysia’s Speedy Tigresses start their Women’s Asian Champions Trophy campaign against the two best teams in the tournament, back to back.
India first, on Thursday 19 November. Then China, two days later. The hosts are Asian Games champions and ranked seventh in the world. China are ranked fourth. Malaysia are 21st. On paper, it’s the hardest possible opening to a tournament. Coach C.R. Kumar isn’t complaining. He reckons it’s exactly what his team needs.
“These early encounters with such formidable teams will provide the necessary challenge for the players to assess their true capabilities,” Kumar said. “In my view, this schedule is actually beneficial for the team, as we will face two strong opponents right from the start.”
That’s a coach backing his players to learn fast, not one looking for excuses before a ball is hit. And he’s honest about where Malaysia are. “Our team is evolving and undergoing a positive development process. We are also working hard to reach our target performance level. Even if we cannot fully dominate the game, we must know how to keep our opponents in check.”
What Kumar wants to see
The message is clear. Malaysia don’t need to beat India or China to make this tournament a success. They need to show they can live with them for long spells, stay organised when the pressure comes, and take something from the experience into the games they can win.
Kumar has picked a 20-player squad built around the group that played at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Captain Noor Hasliza Ali leads the side, and the roster is packed with players who have been through the international grind together. That matters when you’re walking out against the Asian Games champions in front of their home crowd on opening night.
“My goal is to see the players perform better than they did at the last Asian Games, while simultaneously aiming for better results,” Kumar said. “I want the players to draw upon all the experience they have gained and translate it into a more convincing performance in Bhopal.”
Malaysia’s best finish at this tournament was third place, way back in 2013. They’ve been chasing a return to that level ever since. A semi-final spot this time would be a serious statement, and it probably comes down to the three games after the big two.
The games that decide it
South Korea, ranked 15th, are up on Sunday 22 November. Japan, ranked 11th, follow on Tuesday 24 November. Then Thailand, ranked 28th, on Wednesday 25 November. Win two of those three and Malaysia are right in the semi-final mix. Lose them and the tournament is over before the knockouts.
For our money, the Korea game is the big one. Japan will be tough, Thailand should be winnable, but Korea sit in that awkward middle ground where Malaysia have to prove they belong. Keep it tight against India and China, then take points off Korea, and this trip starts looking like a breakthrough rather than a lesson.
Malaysia’s fixtures (IST, PKT in brackets):
Thursday 19 November: India v Malaysia, 7:00pm (6:30pm PKT)
Saturday 21 November: China v Malaysia, 2:30pm (2:00pm PKT)
Sunday 22 November: Korea v Malaysia, 4:30pm (4:00pm PKT)
Tuesday 24 November: Malaysia v Japan, 4:45pm (4:15pm PKT)
Wednesday 25 November: Malaysia v Thailand, 2:30pm (2:00pm PKT)
The semi-finals are on Friday 27 November, with the bronze medal match and final on Saturday 28 November. India are defending champions, with titles in 2016, 2023 and 2024.
